Santa Barbara’s Premier Performing Arts Venue
Located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, The Granada Theatre is one of California’s finest historic performing arts venues and serves as the cultural centerpiece of Santa Barbara’s Theater District. Originally opened in 1924 as a grand movie palace, the beautifully restored theater now hosts an extraordinary year-round schedule of concerts, Broadway productions, symphony performances, dance, opera, film presentations, lectures, and internationally acclaimed touring artists. Following a complete restoration and modernization completed in 2008, the Granada combines historic Spanish Colonial elegance with state-of-the-art acoustics, lighting, and projection systems, making it one of the premier entertainment venues on California’s Central Coast.
Whether you’re attending a classical symphony, a Broadway musical, a world-famous pianist, or a contemporary concert, every performance at the Granada offers an unforgettable evening in one of Santa Barbara’s architectural treasures.
A Landmark in Downtown Santa Barbara
Standing proudly at 1214 State Street, the Granada Theatre anchors Santa Barbara’s Arts & Theater District. Visitors can easily walk to nearby restaurants, wine bars, hotels, and shops before or after a performance, making an evening at the Granada one of the city’s most enjoyable cultural experiences.
Inside, guests are welcomed by soaring ceilings, ornate architectural details, luxurious seating, and exceptional sightlines. With seating for approximately 1,553 guests, the theater provides an intimate atmosphere while attracting world-class performers from around the globe.
January 2027 Highlights
January offers an exciting lineup of performances at the Granada Theatre, headlined by the Santa Barbara Symphony’s first major concerts of the new year.
🌌 The Planets
Saturday, January 23, 2027 – 7:30 PM
Sunday, January 24, 2027 – 3:00 PM
One of the season’s most anticipated performances, The Planets features Gustav Holst’s legendary orchestral masterpiece alongside Christopher Theofanidis’ Rainbow Body and Bruch’s Violin Concerto in D Minor, featuring internationally acclaimed violinist Anne Akiko Meyers under the direction of Nir Kabaretti.
Audiences can expect a spectacular evening of soaring orchestral music, brilliant solo performance, and one of classical music’s most recognizable compositions.
Throughout January
In addition to symphony performances, visitors should watch for announcements from resident organizations including:
- Santa Barbara Symphony
- UCSB Arts & Lectures
- CAMA (Community Arts Music Association)
- Opera Santa Barbara
- State Street Ballet
- Music Academy of the West
- American Theatre Guild Broadway Series
Programming is updated throughout the season, so visitors are encouraged to check the official Granada calendar before their visit.
Why Visit the Granada?
The Granada Theatre offers far more than a concert.
Visitors enjoy:
- Historic Spanish Colonial architecture
- Outstanding acoustics
- Comfortable reserved seating
- Broadway productions
- Symphony concerts
- International touring musicians
- Ballet and opera
- Film presentations
- Celebrity lectures
- Family performances
- Downtown dining within walking distance
Its location makes it an ideal destination for dinner-and-a-show evenings or weekend getaways in Santa Barbara.
Visitor Amenities
The Granada Theatre offers:
- Wheelchair-accessible seating and entrances
- Hearing assistance systems
- Convenient downtown parking garages nearby
- Box Office services
- Modern concessions
- Nearby restaurants and wine bars
- Easy walking access to hotels and downtown attractions
The theater’s staff recommends arriving early to enjoy the historic lobby and allow time for parking before performances.
Nearby Dining
Many visitors pair their evening with dinner or drinks at nearby restaurants, several located within just a few minutes’ walk of the theater. The surrounding blocks of State Street and Victoria Street offer a wide selection of upscale dining, wine bars, cafés, and dessert shops, making the Granada one of Santa Barbara’s most convenient entertainment destinations.
Planning Your Visit
The Granada Theatre is located in downtown Santa Barbara and is easily reached from US-101 via the Carrillo Street exit. Public parking garages and street parking are available throughout the Theater District, though performances often draw large crowds. Purchasing tickets in advance and arriving 30–45 minutes before curtain time is recommended, particularly for popular concerts and Broadway productions.
Quick Facts
Venue: The Granada Theatre
Address:
1214 State Street
Santa Barbara, California
Opened: 1924
Seating Capacity: Approximately 1,553
Venue Type: Historic Performing Arts Theatre
Resident Organizations:
- Santa Barbara Symphony
- Opera Santa Barbara
- State Street Ballet
- UCSB Arts & Lectures
- CAMA
- Music Academy of the West
- American Theatre Guild
January 2027 Featured Event:
- The Planets — January 23 & 24, 2027 (Santa Barbara Symphony)
SantaBarbaraLocal Editorial Note
Concert schedules and special performances are updated throughout the season. Before making travel plans, visitors should confirm performance dates and ticket availability with the official Granada Theatre calendar, as additional January 2027 concerts and special events may be announced closer to the performance dates.

